I have been closely following all the events of unrest in the Middle East and North Africa. Almost all of the places where these troubles are arising, I have been to: First was Tunisia, then came Egypt. Further rallying protests in Indonesia, Turkey, Greece, Libya (the worst!) Morocco -- all of which I have been to. (Others too, around the globe, which we don't hear so much about - mainly because "the west" does not get involved in these countries which are not rich with oil or some other essential commodity necessary to the western world)

The place where the protests and casualties occurred was Al-Hoceima, a place that holds great memories and affinities for me. I travelled the full length of Morocco when the existing King's father was in power (Hassan II), from Tiznit and Ourzazate way down in the foot of the south, bordering on the Sahara Desert, crossing the Atlas Mountains up through the country, Agadir, Marrakesh, Fez, Meknes, Casablanca, Rabat, Tangiers ... and then a most unforgettable experience crossing the Rif mountains to Al-Hoceima right up in the tip of the north of the country.

Now it looks as though Morocco is going the way of so many others.

Morocco set for nationwide protests after king's speech

Demonstrations are expected later in Moroccan cities after reformists said constitutional changes proposed by King Mohammed VI do not go far enough.

Many critics want constitutional changes drawn up by a democratically elected committee instead.

They also say the proposed referendum on the constitution comes too soon and leaves little time for a real debate.

The king said on Friday the reforms would limit his power and usher Morocco towards a constitutional monarchy.

The proposed measures include giving the prime minister and parliament more executive authority and recognising the minority Berber language.

But King Mohammed would keep key powers and remain head of the army.

The king's proposals will be put to a referendum on 1 July, but many activists said Morocco's 400-year-old monarchy has a long history of enacting superficial reforms.

Members of the February 20 reformist movement plan protests on Sunday calling for greater changes to the country's political system.

Like many countries across the Middle East and North Africa, Morocco has seen a growing call for major reforms to its political system in the past year.

The country has also been facing severe economic challenges with high unemployment and rising levels of poverty.

King Mohammed, 47, acceded to the throne in 1999 following the death of his father, Hassan II, and now heads the Arab world's longest-serving dynasty.